Mac vs. PC

So I'm currently writing this blog on a Mac and I have to say I hate it!  I have an iPad and an iPhone which I love dearly.  I make daily trips to the App Store and keep up to date on all the new Apple happenings.  However, attempting to type on a MacBook is just about impossible!

First off, the gosh darn delete key is too little.  Every time I try to use it, I wind up adding a plus sign or a bracket.  Secondly, the whole scrolling thing on the mouse being backward is enough to make me pull my hair out.  Then there's the whole weird red, yellow, green thing which in theory is a good idea, but it's on the wrong side of each screen and is therefore just annoying.

Sorry Mac, you may be the cool kid in town, but PCs still have my ultimate love.

Friday Five

1. Love those O's!  Okay, I'm not nearly on the O's train as much as I'm on the Ravens train, however, when they do things like this, you just have to support the boys in orange.  Buck's basset hounds are about the cutest little dogs I've ever seen!

2. Anyone looking to purchase me an early Christmas gift can look no further.  Too, too cute!

3. A girls afternoon at the park with the niece, followed by a girls evening with the niece and her mama.  An afternoon will perfect early September weather and cutie to spend the time with: Perfect!  Today's Natalie-isms include:

N: Um, Aunt Kris, my seat's wet.
Aunt Kris: Why is your seat wet?
N: Um...I spilled...

After learning what the word rotten meant: (muttering under her breath as she's trying to unbuckle herself) This rotten car seat...

4. The new trailer for Richard II: I've been waiting for months to see it, and while it's not what I imagined (David Tennant is playing Richard, I was assuming you'd hear or even see him at least once...of course I was assuming you'd at least see someone;anyone instead of just the English countryside) it's still pretty stirring.

5. During a crap week, the fact that in LESS than four weeks there will be a light at the end of the tunnel: I'm going to England, Paris, Stratford and Scotland!  Can't believe it's so close but in weeks like this it feels so far away.  Come on October!

Up in the Air

I read an article today that quoted the "Vatican", which I'm assuming means the Pope, as saying that "you don't have to believe in God to go to heaven."  Which I suppose is quite the turn around for the Catholic Church.  However, a few weeks ago the Pope mentioned that God loves everyone "even atheists", and the Vatican came out a few days later to make sure we all knew that even though God loves atheists they're still not going to heaven.  Huh. Because that's kind of what the Pope said today.  

I'm a little confused about this guy and this flip-flopping isn't doing much to change that.  On the one hand, he seems like a perfectly sweet, humble and faithful man that is doing his part to take the church in the right direction AKA out of the dark ages.  But when I hear things that say he "reprimanded" a sect of nuns for spending too much time helping people and not enough time spreading the word of God to non-believers, I get a little upset to say the least.  

I'm not expecting the Vatican to take a full 360 and become completely liberal and accepting. That would be too much to ask.  Add that to the column of things that are never going to happen.  I only want them to stop confusing everyone and stick to one message.  Is that so much to ask for a group of faithful that includes 1.1 billion of the world population?

PS: I can hear my mother secretly whispering that I'm about to be hit by lightning as I'm writing this post, which for a change gives me a slight pause as we're having a storm right now... : )

Never Forget

I'm sure everyone remembers exactly what they were doing on that fateful morning 12 years ago; exactly what they were wearing, and exactly what the next few weeks would bring.  Those feelings come to light today immediately when I think of that ordinary Tuesday morning when all hell broke loose. As painful as those memories are, it's  good that we feel them so strongly.  These feelings will never allow us to forget those we lost that day.  

Sort of Like a Train Wreck...

I have to believe he's a very nice man, but this is the face that most often invades Kitchen Nightmares...Poor dude's going to give himself a stroke!

I make no bones about it.  I HATE reality television.  While others are content to watch endless hours of The Bachelor, or American Idol, I'd much prefer a drama or comedy with an actual plot, as opposed to contestants dying for their 15 minutes.  The only reality show I do watch; religiously mind you, is Top Chef mostly for the food: I do have a soft spot for all things food.  Of course this was all true, until a much too lazy Sunday and a marathon on BBC-America.  

You see up until this past Sunday, I was content to despise Gordon Ramsay for all that he stood for.  He's coarse, brash and much too big for his britches.  He screams randomly and crudely at chefs, managers and owners alike.  He has about a gillion restaurants, that surely must survive on his star-power alone.  Someone who's this concerned with how he looks, can't actually cook, can he?  Oh and his random fascination with changing into his chef's coat in the middle of taped interview is just odd.  

But for some reason, I had no other possible reason to turn on the television, and therefore left it on BBC America just as the Kitchen Nightmares marathon was starting.  Holy Moly!  I now understand why they call reality television a train wreck.  It's because you really can't look away.  It's impossible!  Yes most of the show is bleeped out due to his love of the F-bomb.  Yes, you really can't understand how restaurant owners can be so utterly and completely stupid, and still matter to function in everyday society.  Yes you begin to think if idiots like this can own restaurants, so can you.  And, most of all, you wonder why you're watching it in the first place, just as you're sucked into yet another nightmare.

Though the cramming seems to have been educational; I've learned a few things other than I apparently have no taste in television anymore.  He's not as daft as he seems.  Yes, he needs to have his mouth washed out with soap, but he really does seem to know what he's talking about.  His knowledge of food, recipes and how restaurants should run is off the charts.  And I could be way off, but the restaurants seem to need any help they can get, so they may as well get some help from someone as rich and experienced as he is.  So I suppose, Gordon Ramsay isn't so bad.  I wouldn't want him near any of my future children; as I wouldn't want his potty-mouth to wear off on them.  But,  I'd really like him to cook me a meal sometime.  Just please don't yell at me, Gordon, I'm a big wimp...

PS: I've also learned that the episodes taking place in Great Britain are infinitely better than those here in the States. Gee, I wonder why that is...

Are You Ready for Some Football Food?!

It would seem that the official start to football season is upon us yet again. (Go Ravens!) After such a long hot summer that seemed to drag on, it feels almost impossible that we are entering into the football days of fall already.  It’s time to turn in our baseballs for pigskin; our bats for helmets; our home runs for touchdowns and our Orioles for our Ravens (that last one may just be here in MD…) And most importantly, for those who love to eat: our cracker jacks and beer for nachos and pretzels and dips galore, and (let’s be honest here) more beer.

What used to be a simple calendar flip from one month to the next has become more intricate in the last few years.  Now, not only does autumn signify leaves changing color, and temperatures dropping, but it also means the start of fantasy drafts, football pools and the planning of football parties. The planning of game day bashes, in the eyes of someone who understands very little of a game, is the most important part.  There must be oodles of food and plenty to drink.  Who cares if your team loses (though I know this isn’t necessarily the case) if there’s something yummy to eat?

But of course, as in the game of football, there are rules to the game of football food as well.

1. To have a proper football party, there must be proper football food.  While Bouef Bourginon that you’ve spent hours roasting and perfecting, is delicious; how in the world are you going to eat it crowded around the television?  Handheld food is what you want.  Dips and accessories for dipping are perfect.  No need to take your eyes off the ball when it all comes down to a single play, which brings me to my next rule.

2. You should never serve something that will surely stain that bright white new carpet you’ve just recently installed.  Yes, while pizza dip smothered in cheese and pepperoni sounds like the perfect snack to consume while your team is making their way to the playoffs, you may think differently when your QB throws an interception and the plates go flying.

3. Now I may not hold too much stock in this, but be sure to have the alcoholic beverages of your guests’ choice, as well as some non-alcoholic options for us tea-totalers.  I've heard it’s not a football game if there isn’t at least beer there for consumption. Though, stay away from the darker brews. (See reason above.)

4. While probably not the usual requirement for most football parties, include a dessert for all your guests.  If the game ends in a win, you’ll surely need something to celebrate with and since you’ve been consuming treats of another nature for the entirety of the game, a brownie or cookie (keep in line with the handheld rule) will surely hit the spot and soak up some of the booze.  And most importantly, if your team loses, a sweet treat can be used to drown your sorrows and turn that frown upside down – Never underestimate the power of chocolate!

5. And last but not least, enjoy the game and don’t argue with your guests about players, plays and scores.  It’s just a bit rude, and if you haven’t followed the no stain rules, it could get quite messy.

Happy Football Season!

Sunday Smiles

Every once in a while a lazy but productive Sunday is exactly what you need.  Things get done but happy relaxing happens too.

~Even though the Ravens lost, everyone else in the AFC North lost too (including the Steelers!!!) so technically we're tied for first place.  Have to love when that happens!

~Laundry took all day (I really have to get that darn thing fixed!) but it's done and ready for the week.

~Finally caught up with the Bones finale (4 months late!) and somehow didn't cry which is why I was avoiding it in the first place.

~Worked in some time for scrapbooking and other crafty pursuits.

~Pinterested the perfect idea for dinner this week and some other good ideas for lunches.

~Last but not least, I'm ready for the week...well as ready as I can be for a Monday : )

Happy week ahead!